Travel restrictions on unmarried couples to or from the EU+ area
7.7.2020
Question for written answer E-004021/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (GUE/NGL)
COVID-19 is having wide-ranging health-related and socio-economic effects. One of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus is social distancing. At a time when the disease’s epicentre has moved from Europe to other parts of the world, the EU has decided to introduce certain restrictions on travel to the ‘EU+ area’ to keep the disease and its spread under control. Although in line with health guidelines and aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, these measures are also having serious consequences on people’s lives. Now that rules are being relaxed to kick-start the economy and boost tourism, many people linked by personal ties cannot be reunited because they do not fit into the legal concept of family members laid down in Article 2(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC, especially couples who have not legally formalised their relationship. This constitutes discrimination.
Does the Commission intend to amend the rules on travel exceptions in the EU+ area so that people living under the same roof or unmarried couples can enjoy the same rights as married couples?